MODULE 5: TAX
PREPARATION
PROCESS
Master the Basics — Build Your Confidence
Presented By :
CHANTELLE BENTLEY
OBJECTIVES
After this session, you will be able to:
Identify and explain each step in preparing a tax return
Organize and review client documents properly
Use professional tax software efficiently
Verify accuracy before submission
Complete the E-File process confidently
STEP 1 — REVIEWING
CLIENT DOCUMENTS
Reviewing client documents is the first and most
important step in preparing a tax return.
It ensures all income, deductions, and credits are
properly reported.
Examples of Client Documents
W-2 (wage statements)
1099s (independent income)
ID and Social Security cards
Receipts and expense records
Prior year’s tax return
STEP 1 — REVIEWING
CLIENT DOCUMENTS
Tips
Check for legibility and completeness
Verify Social Security Numbers
Ask clients early if something seems
missing
STEP 2 — USING
PROFESSIONAL TAX
SOFTWARE
Professional tax software (like Drake, TaxSlayer, or
TaxWise) automates calculations, checks for errors,
and files electronically with the IRS.
Key Tasks
Input client info accurately
Select correct filing status
Verify income and deductions
Review the refund/balance summary
STEP 2 — USING
PROFESSIONAL TAX
SOFTWARE
Tips
Double-check each entry
Save frequently
Use software error check before filing
STEP 3 —
CHECKING FOR
ACCURACY
BEFORE FILING
Accuracy checking prevents IRS
rejections and client issues later.
What to Review
Client personal info (SSN, address, dependents)
Income entries vs. source documents
Correct tax credits (EITC, CTC, etc.)
Bank info for direct deposit
STEP 4 —
THE E-FILE
PROCESS
E-Filing is the electronic submission of a
tax return to the IRS through an
authorized provider (ERO).
Steps in E-Filing
1️⃣ Prepare and review the return.
2️⃣ Have client sign Form 8879.
3️⃣ Transmit the return through your ERO software.
4️⃣ Wait for IRS acknowledgment (Accepted or Rejected).
5️⃣ If rejected, correct errors and resubmit.
COMMON
MISTAKES TO
AVOID
1️⃣Missing W-2s or 1099
2️⃣Incorrect SSNs or bank info
3️⃣Forgetting client signatures
4️⃣Misreporting income or dependents
5️⃣Ignoring software alerts
ACTIVITY: Scenario:
You completed a tax return that shows a $2,000 refund.
ACCURACY
Later, you notice the client forgot to give a 1099 form for
freelance income.
REVIEW Task:
1️⃣ What steps should you take next?
CHALLENGE 2️⃣ How would you explain this to the client professionally?
3️⃣ What could you do to prevent this in the future?
QUICK KNOWLEDGE
CHECK
What’s the first step in the
tax preparation process?
ANSWER
Reviewing Client
Documents
THANK
YOU